The north side of Dublin has many fine features, though is sometimes scorned by the south-siders and known for being the poorer side of town. But it has many nice neighborhoods and some the most expensive. One of the finest features of the north side is Phoenix park, Europe’s largest enclosed city park. It is home to Dublin Zoo, has numerous football pitches, wild deer, and contains the house of the Irish president as well as the residence of the American ambassador. One of the landmarks is the Papal Cross, noting the site where the Pope celebrated mass to one million people in 1979.

The National Botanic Gardens is nearby, a 49 acre setting containing over 20,000 different plant species. It is much like visiting a large well-maintained park, but has the added benefit of viewing so many different plants. There is a large Palm House as well as several other curvilinear glasshouses. We were there in May, so the borders were in full bloom and absolutely lovely! There is also quite a variety of cacti and orchids in the greenhouses. It has an award-winning rose garden, but we were too early to view it in bloom.

Also on the north side is the unique town of Howth. It lies at the end of a long peninsula and is home to a fine small harbor, as well as several ( at least 4) golf courses. There is a wonderful walk around the cliffs of Howth for the heartier folks. It starts just off the harbor and heads straight up through a residential area. Then it leads into the open brush and the path takes you high above the eastern shore to the lighthouse. There are great views of Dublin and Dun Laoghaire from up here. You can then follow it along the south shore and eventually get back to the harbor. It may take several hours, but is a nice walk if the weather is cooperating. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes - this is not for the faint of heart.

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